President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally welcomed Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios to Malacañang on Monday as the two countries moved to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties through a two-day state visit focused on expanding cooperation between Manila and Asunción, Paraguay’s capital..
Peña was accorded full arrival honors at the Palace, including a 21-gun salute, during the official welcome ceremony attended by several Cabinet officials.
Among those present were Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa “Tess” Lazaro, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, and Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
Following the ceremony, Marcos and Peña were scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting expected to center on potential partnerships in trade, agriculture, investments, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Paraguayan leader arrived in the Philippines on Sunday afternoon via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City, where he was welcomed by Roque and Non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay Paraguayan Ambassador Miguel Ángel Ubaldino Romero Álvarez.
Before proceeding to Malacañang on Monday, Peña visited Rizal Park in Manila and led a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Dr. José Rizal in tribute to the Philippine national hero.
The visit marks another step in efforts by both governments to deepen relations and explore broader areas of cooperation despite the geographical distance between the two nations.
Peña, who assumed office in August 2022, is scheduled to depart Manila later Monday following his official engagements.